Rural K–6 school adds 20ʹ panoramic system to newly designed learning commons

Calgary, Alberta --- December 10, 2015 --- Nureva Inc., an award-winning collaboration-solutions company, announces the integration of its Span classroom collaboration system WM220e into the learning commons at Turner Valley School, in Turner Valley, Alberta. The Span system has transformed the K–6 school’s learning commons wall into a 20' (6.1 m) interactive panoramic workspace for small-group and whole-class collaboration. Students create their input on their personal devices, either a computer or a tablet, and share it on the system’s digital canvas in the cloud, which then allows them to collaborate with classmates on an expansive 40' (12.2 m) shared workspace on the wall.

The school’s learning commons is a newly built shared learning environment to support student-centered learning, emphasize active and collaborative engagement and encourage the co-creation of knowledge by all learners. The Span classroom collaboration system is being used in that environment to enhance and transform the way students collaborate and contribute ideas to group discussions, enabling all students to gain a shared understanding of what they have learned.

“The Span classroom collaboration system sparks students’ imagination and their natural curiosity, and it encourages risk-taking by providing them with the ability to share their ideas without losing their individual voice in the class dialogue,” said Carol Webb, library learning commons specialist at Turner Valley School. “From what I have already observed, this state-of-the-art system engages students and allows them to actively generate their own questions, polish their ideas and work collaboratively on their learning.”

“It’s wonderful that the students at Turner Valley School have taken to the Span system so quickly, really immersing themselves in creating and collaborating with each other right from the start,” said Nancy Knowlton, Nureva’s CEO. “We look forward to learning from students and staff at the school to discover all the ways the system is being used and what we can do to continue developing it for education.”

About Turner Valley School

Turner Valley School is a community of lifelong learners prepared to succeed in the 21st-century through dynamic and engaging school experiences in a respectful and supportive environment. Established in 1927, the school is situated in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in the Town of Turner Valley, located less than one hour from the city of Calgary and a short drive to beautiful Kananaskis Country. The school serves more than 210 students in kindergarten through grade 6 with a strong focus on literacy to help prepare students for future success. Beyond academics, other learning opportunities and activities include the National Archery in the School Program (NASP) for students in grades 4-6 and other athletics, an annual spring musical theatre production featuring grade 3-6 students, and Pitch-in Days where students help clean up the community. For more information visit http://turnervalley.fsd38.ab.ca.

About Alberta Education and learning commons

In 2014 Alberta Education issued a policy mandating learning commons in Alberta schools. “To support students in attaining the goals and standards as stated in the Ministerial Order on Student Learning, school authorities must ensure that students have access to a learning commons.” A learning commons is a common, or shared, learning ‘space’ that is both physical and virtual. It is more a perspective than a “place.” A learning commons perspective supports a student-centred approach that emphasizes active and collaborative engagement and encourages the co-creation of knowledge by all learners. A learning commons provides individual, small and large group space, either physical and/or virtual, for instruction, social/collaborative learning, and production and presentation. It also promotes global and cultural understanding as students collaborate with their local and broader community to investigate and create solutions to complex problems. The virtual aspect of a learning commons promotes more efficient use of technology for creation and sharing of knowledge as well as enabling 24/7 access to resources and shared collaborative space for all students. Research shows that students who have access to quality school library services, which a learning commons perspective enables, are more likely to exhibit advanced student achievement and literacy development.

About Nureva

Nureva Inc. develops education solutions that foster a joy for learning. The company focuses on delighting customers with simple, thoughtful hardware, software and services. A passion for deep customer understanding and a commitment to innovation drive the company’s product road map.